Swamp Thing Reading Order

There’s an intriguing dissonance between the simplicity of Swamp Thing’s creation (big ol’ fun bronze age horror monster created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson) and the character’s influence on the entire superhero comics medium. In many ways The Saga of the Swamp Thing is the godfather of the mature readers targeting Vertigo movement that swept the late 80’s and 90’s, perhaps unsurprising when you consider Watchmen writer Alan Moore was on the book for well over 40 issues.

Alongside artists like Stephen Bissette and John Totleben, Moore transformed Swamp Thing into the kind of critical darling publishers dream of today. Far from standard superhero fare, Saga of the Swamp Thing became thoughtful, contemplative, philosophical, and yes, horrifying.

Perhaps because of this long shadow, Swamp Thing has been used with surprising restraint in modern DC Comics, and features a genuinely approachable collection of available comics.

Below you’ll find a complete guide to Swamp Thing comics throughout history, from the Alan Moore written run through Scott Snyder’s time writing in the New 52, to present day. I’ve highlighted my personal favorites with the Comic Book Herald logo next to each recommended series title.

Swamp Thing After Alan Moore

Comics creator Rick Veitch had the unenviable task of following up Bissette, Totleben, and Moore (of course he would know, having contributed to their run himself!). It’s an earnest, strong work though and significantly underrated due to its predecessor.

Most notably, Veitch left Swamp Thing following issue #88 and arguments with DC over the use of Jesus Christ in the content of the book.

Swamp Thing Reborn in the 2000’s

Collects: Swamp Thing (2000) #1-10 And A Story From Vertigo: Winter’s Edge #3

As big and excellent as writer Brian K. Vaughan has become (on comics like Runaways, Saga, or Y: The Last Man), his relaunched Vertigo Swamp Thing is far from his best work. More interesting historically than anything, given Vaughan’s present day status as a living legend.

New 52 Swamp Thing Comics

At the launch of DC’s New 52 Scott Snyder made himself into a superstar with an all-time great run on Batman (with artist Greg Capullo). Looking back now it’s almost easy to forget that Snyder also kicked off the New 52 with a highly enjoyable short run on Swamp Thing that subsequently transitioned into high quality work from writer Charles Soule.

DC Rebirth Swamp Thing Comics

In “The Brave and the Mold,” creative team Tom King and Mitch Gerads (of Mister Miracle fame) tell a one and done Batman and Swamp Thing team-up story. One of the most likely instant classics from the DC Rebirth era.

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About Dave

Dave is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Comic Book Herald, and also the Boss of assigning himself fancy titles. He's a long-time comic book fan, and can be seen most evenings in Batman pajama pants. Contact Dave @comicbookherald on Twitter or via email at dave@comicbookherald.com.